Tianrong Point (SI-17 / Heavenly Countenance)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Tianrong (SI-17 / Heavenly Countenance). Learn its benefits for sore throat, head and neck swellings, stiff neck, and sudden loss of voice – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Sore throat, carbuncles and swellings of the head and neck, stiff painful neck, sudden loss of voice (aphonia), tinnitus, and deafness.
Precise Location
On the neck, posterior to the angle of the mandible, in the depression at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Location Method
The point is in the depression posterior to the angle of the mandible below the earlobe – firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Tianrong with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat stiff painful neck and vomiting. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and benefits the throat, reduces swelling and restores the voice, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Sore throat: Combine with Shaoshang (LU-11).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian. It clears heat and benefits the throat, reduces swelling and restores the voice, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used point for treating throat and head-neck disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. “Tian” means upper or heavenly; “Rong” means countenance or to contain. Located on the neck, this point is where meridian qi is contained – hence the name Tianrong (Heavenly Countenance).
